InformationWeek

March 23, 1999

I'm 24 and work at a college where I'm also receiving my Master's in computer information studies. I am currently the Web administrator, but also serve as the campus' LAN administrator. My intention has been to stay until I finish my Master's in December 2000. But I worry that my $32,000 salary will negatively impact my potential earnings when I graduate with a master's in CIS, a bachelor's degree in business administration, and five years' experience. Can I double my salary when I graduate, or will my present low salary hold me back? Will my resumé speak for itself? Should I leave now?

Stay where you are and finish out what you're doing! The answer to your other questions are "yes." You will be able to make up lost ground financially quickly. Corporations realize that candidates in your situation need to be marked to market and if one company doesn't do so, another will.

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I've been thinking about becoming certified as a SAP and/or Oracle Developer because the hourly rates are higher. Is that a correct assessment?

I'm a jack of all trades, but a master on none. What type job definition should I be looking for?